Hole in the Rock Cruise Paihia: Custom Island Stops

Design your own day among 144 islands, with the Hole in the Rock as the centerpiece.

A private charter cruise in the Bay of Islands near Paihia lets you pick the stops, the pace and the activities (Hole in the Rock, island walks, snorkeling and swimming) across a half-day on the water with a live guide. The vessel size depends on your group (up to 36 or 49 guests), and you can add a pre-packed lunch or eat at Otehei Bay Cafe. Island Getaway is the only cruise company endorsed by the Maori owners of Hole in the Rock to share its history.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bay of Islands private charter cruise

• Check in at Paihia or Russell Wharf
• Scenic cruise among 144 subtropical islands
• Stopover at Roberton Island and walk to lookout
• Visit Hole in the Rock and Cathedral Cave
• Stopover at Otehei Bay for exploring and lunch

The experience

What makes this different from a scheduled group cruise is the control: you book the entire vessel for your party, so the itinerary bends to what you want. The boat leaves Paihia Wharf (or Russell Wharf) and heads into a scenic cruise among 144 subtropical islands, passing through the Marine Mammal Sanctuary and Project Island Song Wildlife Sanctuary where you'll spot native marine life. The guide provides commentary throughout, but the stops are yours to choose. Most groups include Roberton Island, where a short walk climbs to a lookout over the Twin Lagoons, and the famous Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett: the only cruise company here endorsed by the Maori owners to show and share the site's history. If conditions allow, the boat passes through the rock itself. You'll also see Cathedral Cave.

After Hole in the Rock, you pick where to spend the rest of the day. Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island has walking tracks, a Marine Reserve where you can feed the fish, and the Otehei Bay Cafe if you want a meal. Alternatively, Waewaetorea or Moturua Island offers the same mix of walks, swimming and snorkeling, with a beachside pre-packed lunch. Snorkel gear and swim equipment are provided. Bring a swimsuit and towel. The whole outing runs about four and a half hours, giving you time to move between stops without rushing.

Your vessel size depends on your group: the Matarua Charter holds up to 36 guests, and the Arataki Charter accommodates up to 49. Either way, you're traveling with only your own party, not strangers. The guide is live and speaks English, and you can arrange a pre-packed lunch to eat on an island or dine at the cafe. Both are optional add-ons you choose at checkout.

What’s included

• Private charter vessel for your group.
• scenic cruise among 144 subtropical islands.
• stops at Roberton Island with a walk to the Twin Lagoons lookout, Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett Lighthouse and Cathedral Cave.
• choice of island stopovers with walking tracks, swimming and snorkeling.
• snorkel equipment and swim gear.
• live guide in English providing commentary and wildlife information.
• optional pre-packed lunch or Otehei Bay Cafe dining (booked separately at checkout).

Options for this experience

2 options

Matarua charter for 36 guestsGuide in English · 09:00Matarua: a 36-passenger charter vessel giving access to the hidden bays and beaches of the Bay of Islands, on a comfortable powercat

Arataki charter for up to 49 guestsGuide in English · 09:00Access to all the islands of the Bay on our comfortable 49-passenger powercat, built for comfort

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteNZ$ 25

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Island Getaway Tours

Is this one for you?Book the Matarua Charter if your group is up to 36 people and you want a smaller, more intimate vessel. Choose the Arataki Charter for up to 49 guests when you need the extra capacity. Either way, a private charter means you set the pace and stops instead of following a fixed schedule with strangers.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can we actually go through the Hole in the Rock, or do we just sail past it?

If conditions permit, the boat passes through the rock itself. Island Getaway is the only cruise company endorsed by the Maori owners of Hole in the Rock, and the guide shares the site's history and significance during the visit.

What's the difference between stopping at Otehei Bay and the other islands?

Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island has the Otehei Bay Cafe where you can order a meal, plus walking tracks, a Marine Reserve for feeding fish, and swimming and snorkeling. Waewaetorea and Moturua Island offer walking tracks, swimming and snorkeling too, but with a beachside pre-packed lunch instead of a cafe.

Do we need to bring our own snorkel gear?

No. Snorkel equipment and all swim gear are provided. You just need to bring a swimsuit and towel.

How many people can fit on the boat, and does it matter which vessel we book?

The Matarua Charter holds up to 36 guests and the Arataki Charter up to 49. Both are private charters for your group only, so the choice depends on your party size and budget.

What wildlife might we see during the cruise?

The route passes through the Marine Mammal Sanctuary and Project Island Song Wildlife Sanctuary, where you'll spot native marine life throughout the day. The guide provides commentary and information about the wildlife you encounter.